Overview of Chapters – Paul stands trial before Felix, a terrible ruler 25 – Paul stands trial before Festus, an excellent ruler 26 – Paul presents his defense before the guests of Festus, Agrippa II and Bernice 27 – Paul’s ship wrecks on the way to Rome 28 – Paul arrives in Rome where he spends 2 years waiting for his trial

Governor Felix and Paul Left Paul in prison for 2 years as a favor to the Jews

Nero Replaces Felix with Festus Felix was a terrible ruler who hated the Jews Festus was much stronger and fairer Died after only 3 years in office

Nero Replaces Felix with Festus Felix was a terrible ruler who hated the Jews Festus was much stronger and fairer Died after only 3 years in office

Festus A.D. 56

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied Three days after arriving – 25:1 The next day – 25:6 I did not delay – 25:17 Contrast with the 2 years Felix left Paul in prison!

Trial in Caesarea

Paul’s Defense I have done nothing wrong against the Jews Or against the Temple Or against Caesar Acts 25:8

Paul – I appeal to Caesar! Festus – To Caesar you will go! Acts 25:11 Acts 25:12

The Caesar before whom Paul would have stood was Nero! A.D

Paul offered a defense of himself before Governor Festus, King Agrippa, and Agrippa’s sister Bernice

King Agrippa II & Bernice Brother and Sister Siblings of Drusilla (Wife of Felix) Children of Agrippa I Great-grandchildren of Herod the Great

King Agrippa 17 when his father died (Acts 12) Given a small kingdom Territory grew – Became Curator of Jerusalem Temple Power to appoint High Priest

Bernice Could be her own soap opera Married an uncle at 13 (he died) Moved in with her brother Rumors of incest (Josephus Jewish Antiquities ) Later remarried/divorced/returned to Herod Agrippa II

Conclusions of Festus Conclusions of Festus Dispute with him about their own religion (19) A dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive (19) Nothing deserving of death (25) I (need) something to write (26)

Paul’s Defense to Agrippa I lived as a Pharisee (4-8) I opposed the name of Jesus (9-11) I saw a light from heaven (12-18)

3 rd Account of Paul’s Conversion Shortest of the 3 No mention of Ananias Focus on the calling from God to go to the Gentiles

Festus Interrupts Paul You are out of your mind, Paul! (24) Your great learning is driving you insane (24) He interrupted when Paul began talking about RESURRECTION

2 Explosive Words (23)

King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.

Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”

The Verdict Paul was innocent He could have been set free Must send him to Rome

The Centurion The Centurion (27:1) Julius Centurions were professionals Was impressed with Paul from the start

Paul said to the men on the ship, “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss of ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” (27:10)

Typhoon hit them at Crete “Sandbars of Syrtis” (17) are in N. Africa “We…gave up hope” (20)

You must stand trial before Caesar 18:9 – Corinth 23:11 – Jerusalem An angel of God says to Paul, “Do Not Fear!”

Complete dark (20) 14 nights (27) 276 people Struck sandbar Saved by the Centurion

Island of Malta, off the coast of SicilyShipwrecked

Shipwreck on Malta (28:1)

Winter on Malta Healed all the sick people on the island (9) Stayed 3 winter months (11)

So we came to Rome (14) Brethren met him Forum of Appius (40 miles south of Rome) Three Taverns (30 miles south of Rome)

Paul in Rome Lived by himself in his own rented apartment (16, 30) A soldier to guard him (16) Probably chained in 4-hour shifts

For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 28:30-31)

? Luke does not tell us the result of Paul’s trial before Caesar.

During the 2 years in Rome Paul wrote the 4 Prison Epistles

Ephesians Philippians Colossians Philemon

Perhaps a circular letter, sent to churches throughout Asia The “whole armor of God” is the response to the “spiritual forces of evil” (6:10-18).

Sent to a church Paul hadn’t visited – started during his ministry in Ephesus Response to spiritual confusion – lift up Christ (1:15-20)

A church that had a special 10- year relationship with Paul Financially supported Paul Letter deals with how to unite in the face of conflict (4:2)

Name of a Christian slave owner in the Colossian church Written on behalf of Philemon’s slave, Onesimus Very public, private letter